England Athletics Yorkshire & Humberside Regional Volunteers Awards. Congratulations to Paul Wilson, winner of the Coach of the Year Award, And Rachel Ayrton, winner of Young Volunteer of the Year Award.
Paul was nominated by a group of his athletes, and the Virtual Awards Ceremony included wonderful video tributes from a number of his athletes. Rachel was nominated by the club coaches, with the citation including comments from athletes and parents. And the Awards Ceremony included a video Thank You from some of the athletes she had coached. Both were interviewed in the Ceremony and came over very well, showing a care for their athletes not just in their Athletics progress but their overall development as well. You can see their Awards on www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMqAigz4owE&feature=youtu.be Paul’s award starts at 50.52, and Rachel at 63.00 Congratulations to Paul and Rachel.
Paul’s nomination citation included • A motivating coach for both throwers & combined eventers. • Although coaching a large group, he treats each athlete as an individual and provides personalised training plans. • Has maintained regular contact with each athlete throughout the pandemic to check on both physical & mental well-being. • Always ready to share his knowledge and regularly mentors other coaches from across the UK. • Has organised an International Virtual Shot competition and has helped the UK Javelin Association to do the same.
Rachel’s nomination included: Rachel coaches Under 12 distance runners at the club. Her coaching is exceptional technically. Well organized and committed. Excellent rapport with the group and control of the young athletes. Explains what they are hoping to achieve, encourages everyone whatever their standard, helps them work together. Makes sure they have fun and enjoy their running. Good at bringing in points to advance their personal development and athletics knowledge. Rachel is very good with the young helpers, athletes age 14/15 who started as their DofE volunteering and have stayed as helpers. She has involved and taught them well, so they are able to lead the group when Rachel is away in University holidays.
The following comments supported Rachel’s nomination. Parent 1 – Even on the worst winter nights she greets the children with enthusiasm and encouragement. The children find her sessions enjoyable and challenging. Parent 2 – As well as her coaching and athletics ability she is a great role model for young children which is really important when they are at such an impressionable age. Parent 3 – She has provided structure and training to the young distance runners for the past 2 years with the right blend of hard work and fun. Young athlete – Rachel is super encouraging even when it’s something you’re not very good at, she takes an interest in all of us.